![]() This pollen is then spread as it falls off of the bat’s face when the bat takes flight. With other plants, bat’s tend to feed on their fruits and through feeding, the bat’s face becomes covered in pollen. ![]() Later, when the bat flies, these seeds fall off of the bat’s feet and are spread over a large region in which they can grow. While the bat is feeding on the nectar, the flower’s seeds attach to the feet of the bat. When a bat visits a flower it will unroll its tongue (that when not being used is rolled up underneath the bat’s ribcage) and feed on the nectar that is in the deep center of the flower. All of the plants that bats pollinate seem to be the plants that birds and bees do not pollinate as birds and bees are attracted to brightly colored plants that give off strong scents. Also, the agave plant, saguaro cactus and three hundred species of fruit depend on bats for pollination. Bats that feed on insects can consume around 600 insects per hour. Some people view bats as problematic and as pests, but in reality this belief couldn’t be further from the truth. Bats will bite if they are being attacked, but in general these creatures are extremely docile and shy away from animals that have the potential to harm them rather than attack the animal. A third misconception is that bats attack people, either as an individual or in a swarm. Also, the likelihood of being bitten by a bat and having the rabies disease transferred to one’s self is extremely unlikely, there is a higher chance of being poisoned by a bee sting than contracting rabies from a bat. Like other wild animals, bats have the potential to carry rabies, but the reality is that bats are infected by rabies by the same percentage of dogs that are infected by the disease. These fruits usually hang from vines or grow from the trunk of a plant unobstructed by heavy tropical foliage. Many prefer dark green or brown fruits with musty or sour odors instead of the more colorful varieties. People also seem to think that all bats are infected with rabies. Unlike birds, bats are color blind and, therefore, not dependent on color for locating and choosing their food. Bats do have the ability to see, however, since most bats hunt in the dark, eyesight is not required and instead bats utilize echolocation to determine the location and distance of their prey. One such misconception is that bats are blind. So, next time you’re talking with your neighbor and see bats flying overhead, spread some of your newfound knowledge and help dispel the unflattering myths surrounding this fascinating and vital group of mammals.The film industry has created an extreme misrepresentation of bats that has invoked a sense of unease within people. Without bats in this world, a domino effect of problems from insect outbreaks to loss of certain plant species could be anticipated. Hopefully, what you have gained from our discussion on bats is that they are an important component of our natural environment. Other phrases contributing to the poor popular image of bats include “dingbat,” “old bat,” “bats in their belfries,” and “just plain batty.” While these phrases are less than complimentary, they do not portray bats correctly. ![]() Regardless of prevalence, any wild mammal showing abnormal behavior should be treated with caution and the proper authorities contacted. In an Ohio study of animals submitted for rabies testing, 3.5% of bats, 11.9% of skunks, 3.1% of deer, and 3.1% of horses tested positive. While bats can contract rabies, they are no more likely to test positive than other rabies vector species. Vampire bats use their razor-sharp teeth to make a small incision, and then they lap up, rather than suck, the blood of their host. Vampire bats feed on the blood of other animals, but they do not kill their food source. There are three species of vampire bats that occur in Mexico, and in Central and South America (none occur in the contiguous United States). Are there vampire bats in the United States? When you pursue food as small as a mosquito or no-see-‘um, then you’d better utilize every sense you have. Their sense of echolocation as a more reliable means of finding prey and navigating in the dark, however, is very highly developed. Despite their small eyes, bats see perfectly well. It would have been more accurate to say “blind as a mole,” but such colloquialisms don’t die easily. While “blind as a bat” remains a popular phrase, it lacks credence. As to where the egg-laying part of the rumor came from, we’re at a loss! Are bats blind? When you consider that a bat can pick a mosquito out of the air while on wing, then they certainly can avoid an object as big as our heads. While it may look as though these bats are out of control and trying to fly into someone’s hair the reality is that these bats are in complete control chasing insects that are in evasive mode trying not to be caught. An old misconception people have is that bats will fly into your hair and lay eggs! The origin of this rumor may come from bats foraging low, just over the heads of individuals.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |